V D Kulshreshtha's Landmarks in Indian Legal and Constitutional History

The thirteenth edition of Landmarks in Indian Legal and Constitutional History presents a clear and structured account of the development of legal and political institutions in India. Covering the evolution from early legal traditions to recent constitutional amendments and landmark judgments, this edition also includes new material on law?s interface with gender, governance, technology, and climate change. With thematic clarity and updated commentary, the book remains a valuable resource for students and researchers of law, history, political science, and public administration.

It encourages a critical and contextual understanding of legal developments rather than rote learning. Each chapter is designed to promote inquiry, reflection, and deeper engagement with the historical foundations of Indian law.

Reviews

The book would retain its predominant place among the students of law and seekers of Indian legal and constitutional history. It is still the most succinct and comprehensive work that the original author envisaged it to be and one of the authoritative compilations in the area.?

- Cochin University Law Review

It is fabulous to note that the author has touched the relevant subject in depth, with a synopsis and introduction so that the reader can reach to relevant portion without any sort of confusion.?

- The Academy Law Review

Table of Cases
Landmark Years and List of Larger Bench Decisions

Part I - Constitutional History of India
1. Judicial System in India: Ancient and Medieval Period
2. The English Constitution
3. Influence of English Law in India
4. Early Administration of Justice in Bombay, Madras and Calcutta
5. Historical Background of the Constitution

Part II - Legislature
6. English Parliament
7. History of Legislation (1772 to 1861)
8. Legislatures of India under the Crown
9. Charter Act, 1833 and Codification

Part III - Executive
10. The Government under the Crown
11. Civil Administration
12. Principal Services

Part IV - Judiciary
13. Mayor’s Courts and the Courts of Requests
14. Inauguration of Adalat System in Bengal
15. The Regulating Act
16. Role of Cornwallis in Judicial Reforms
17. Progress of Judicial Reforms (1793–1833)
18. Establishment of the High Court
19. Privy Council
20. Federal Court of India
21. Supreme Court of India
22. Prerogative Writs in India

Part V - Post-Independence Development
23. India Since Independence
24. Rule of Law and Constitutional Developments
25. Odyssey of Racial, Criminal and Gender Justice

Appendices
A. The Gentoo Code
B. The Union Territories
C. Alphabetical Table of Indian Legal Periodicals and Law Reports
D. Instrument of Accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India

Bibliography
Subject Index